Special Books by Special Kids

Yesterday, I shared Nithya's interview.

Nithya is nonverbal. Although she does not speak the same way most people do, we were still able to form a genuine connection.

When I first met her, I didn't ask her to interact in ways that felt unnatural to her. Instead, I sat beside her while she played with her toys and let her communicate on her own terms. Little by little, she began leaning against me, sharing moments of eye contact, and even laughing with me.

It reminded me that meaningful relationships don't require everyone to communicate the same way. Too often, we project our own idea of "normal" onto other people instead of meeting them where they are.
There are countless ways to communicate in this world. Some people use words. Others use gestures, expressions, body language, AAC devices, or simply their presence. None of these ways are less valid than another.

If we can let go of our expectations and allow people to connect in the ways that come naturally to them, we often discover friendships we might have otherwise missed.

2 days ago | [YT] | 23,170

Special Books by Special Kids

Yesterday, I shared the story of Lucas and Nick, autistic twins whose 6’7” stature has earned them the nickname “The Gentle Giants.”

In this video, you’ll see us communicate in non-traditional ways. Some might find these interactions unusual, and I intentionally left them in their entirety. While long, repetitive moments might not be what the audience expects, showing the true nature of our connection is far more important.

The bond I formed with Nick and Lucas is just as valid as friends sharing a beer while watching a game. Whether we were bonding over "Mickey Mouse," talking about arcades, or using a communication device to join the conversation, every moment was meaningful. By leaving these interactions unedited, I hope to show that while non-traditional communication can feel "clunky" or "awkward" at times, it is deeply rewarding when we respect each person’s pace.

I hope that by watching, you feel a bit more prepared to become friends with anyone you meet. It's also my wish that viewers will see there are many ways to communicate and connect in this world and they are all valid.

1 week ago | [YT] | 23,356

Special Books by Special Kids

Yesterday’s interview with Christian is a special one for SBSK. It marks the first time in this channel’s history that I’ve filmed a follow-up interview with someone a full decade after their original interview.

I first met Christian when he was 5 years old. He is now 15 and nearly as tall as me.

For those of you who have watched both interviews, I hope you can see Christian’s growth over the years. But I also hope you can see how much SBSK has grown alongside him.

When I filmed Christian’s first interview, I was still very new to filmmaking, interviewing, and storytelling. Over the years, my goal has remained the same… to create a kinder and more inclusive world for the people I meet. I hope I’ve grown more capable of doing that with each passing year.

Thank you for supporting SBSK from the beginning and continuing to support this mission today.

This channel is only possible because of the incredible people who trust me with their stories and because of all of you who choose to listen. Thank you!

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1 month ago | [YT] | 47,718

Special Books by Special Kids

Yesterday, I shared Bud’s interview. As an infant, Bud survived severe abuse that left him permanently disabled. Today, at almost four years old, he cannot walk or talk and experiences constant seizures.


While editing this video, I carefully considered whether or not to include footage of Bud’s seizures. Ultimately, his family and I felt it was important for people to understand the lasting impact child abuse can have on a person’s life. These moments are difficult to witness, but they are also part of Bud’s reality.


We hope that by sharing his story, greater awareness can be brought to protecting vulnerable children before irreversible harm occurs. His family and I believe that if telling Bud’s story helps save even one child, then sharing it is worth it.

I also want to thank our viewers for consistently understanding and supporting our mission of creating a kinder and more inclusive world for everyone. Knowing that so many of you share that purpose makes it much easier to continue telling stories like Bud’s.

1 month ago | [YT] | 33,975

Special Books by Special Kids

Yesterday I shared Kamarrion’s interview. While interviewing Kamarrion, I couldn’t help but appreciate what a delightfully unhinged teenage personality he has. I go into each interview without a plan or agenda. I simply want to give people a platform to share their story.... so naturally sometimes chaos will ensue 😂.

In these days of AI and over-optimization, it can sometimes feel like authenticity is being engineered out of the internet. Every second is analyzed, every emotion is packaged, every conversation is trimmed down into something faster, louder, and more addictive.

That’s why I’m especially grateful for this community.... now more than ever.

Thank you for being intentional about what you watch and support. Thank you for slowing down long enough to listen to another human being. Thank you for making space for stories that are imperfect, unpredictable, emotional, funny, awkward, and real. Thanks for choosing to click on SBSK videos and watch them.

Kamarrion’s interview reminded me that some of the best moments can never be planned. They simply happen when people feel comfortable enough to be themselves.

I’m grateful there are still millions of people online who value that.

2 months ago | [YT] | 37,527

Special Books by Special Kids

It’s been a tough week losing John Hudson.

Through his interviews, John Hudson not only shared his beautiful spirit, but also left behind a detailed and honest look at what EB does to a person over time.

He often told me that his greatest wish was that children in the future would not have to suffer from Epidermolysis Bullosa the way he did. To honor that wish, I’ve created a playlist of John Hudson’s interviews that will live on the front page of our YouTube channel. Attached to the playlist is a link to EB Research Partnership, an organization funding research to treat and cure EB.

John Hudson shared his story with us for years. Now it will live on and continue to play a role in making life better for others with EB.

2 months ago | [YT] | 52,334

Special Books by Special Kids

I want to sincerely thank everyone who responded to last week’s video.


We shared that for SBSK to continue long-term, we need to shift toward a community-supported model as platforms increasingly prioritize fast, attention-grabbing content. Many of you stepped up to support us on Patreon, and I’m incredibly grateful. Because of you, we’ll be able to continue this work for years to come.


What I didn’t fully realize at the time is how far-reaching the impact of your support would be.


Yesterday, I shared Jason’s interview. He is diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Cri Du Chat syndrome. While editing, I noticed that his older brother Kevin would often pause for a few seconds before answering questions. In the past, I may have cut those moments to keep the pacing faster and appease the algorithm. But this time, I left them in.


Those pauses matter. They show the care Kevin has for Jason. You can see him taking the time to find the right words to express his love for his brother. That reflection shows just how deeply he cares. Your support gives us the freedom to share these stories as they are.


Thank you for supporting SBSK. It means a lot that you value these videos enough to want to see them continued.

3 months ago | [YT] | 22,324

Special Books by Special Kids

It’s SBSK’s 11th birthday.

Over the past 11 years, we’ve shared hundreds of stories and raised millions of dollars for the people we’ve met. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to do this work.

But over the past year, something has changed. Our videos are being shown to far fewer people as platforms shift toward short-form content. Stories like ours, that ask you to slow down, listen, and be present, are no longer being prioritized.

If we want to continue this work for many more years, it’s clear we need to become supported directly by our audience.

If these interviews have meant something to you, please consider supporting SBSK on Patreon for $5 a month.

You can support SBSK and help us keep going for many more years at www.patreon.com/SBSK

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3 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 42,870

Special Books by Special Kids

Yesterday, I shared an update video with Callie Truelove who I first met 9 years ago. Callie is diagnosed with Williams syndrome and is one of the nicest people I have ever met. It is a pleasure maintaining friendships with such a diverse group of friends all over the world. I hope you have as much fun watching these interviews as I have filming them.

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3 months ago | [YT] | 10,576

Special Books by Special Kids

Yesterday, I shared an update interview with Avery. I first met Avery many years ago while filming "A Day in the Life of Ruby", as she was Ruby's best friend. Since then she has become a beloved part of our community. I was happy to see that Avery's smile is still shining bright. I hope you enjoyed checking in on Ruby and Avery with the first two videos of 2026. Next week, we will begin meeting some new friends!

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6 months ago | [YT] | 11,703